On Walking By Faith (+ A Home Tour)

Two years ago we moved into this dream-come-true home. I shared a little bit about our journey that brought us to this place here. And yes, even the tire swing was a huge selling point. At least for me.

The house was built in 1959 and is a really truly log cabin with the original multi-paned windows still intact and a long front porch perfect for sitting and rocking (just out of view is a little white rocker given to me by a friend long before we had somewhere so perfect to put it).

Built in the foothills of central California before there were any other houses around, it’s tucked down a little hill at the end of a street on just over two acres of green grasses and pine trees. (See the rocker?)

In the spring, gold and purple wildflowers pop up everywhere (and are brought to me in fistfuls by a certain seven year old girl).

This is the path through the backyard and down to the tiny lake at the edge of our little homestead. To the right are three pomegranate trees –which we have yet to get a single pomegranate from, since the deer come stealthily in the night and steal them all away before they’re ripe.

It even sprinkled snow our first Christmas here which is beyond amazing for us California folk.

This is the view from one of the back decks, where we often eat dinner (or paint) during the warmer months –which, in California, is pretty much always.

The kitchen counter is also a great place to eat when it’s too hot (or cold) outside. I found the stools on Amazon after searching high and low for something comfortable and fun –but mostly reallysturdy, since I knew they’d be getting daily abuse use from the kids. These have been just right on all counts. And they add that touch of rainbow one must have every now and then.

Here’s the other side of the kitchen bar, and the view that greets you when you walk in the front door. As you can see, the light is amazing.

The living room is part of what we call the great room which includes the kitchen and dining room –all one big open space with high beamed ceilings (wrapped in twinkle lights, of course).

A huge natural stone fireplace gets daily use during the winter. And decorated with Easter banners and flowers in the spring.

This is probably my husband’s (and mine) favorite spot in the house. Perfect for early morning Bible reading and late evening chatting. Also, I love that I can (almost) always see the kids wherever they are in the yard. Did I mention the light from these windows is … amazing?

Wildflowers picked and arranged by that sweet seven year old girl.

Come for tea and we’ll use these pretty cups.

Through the french doors is our school/work/play/book/art room. Or the library, which I insist on calling it. I’ve always dreamed of having a library in the house. Again, the light.

Favorite.

Here you can see the other half of the library. This is my little work space where I package up art and put together note cards. Can you spot the touch of rainbow? That sweet crocheted heart garland over the desk is from Jen at Beauty In Bloom. Love. The desk and the huge shelf over it were custom built for us years ago by a good friend. Everyone needs to have a custom woodworker in their circle of friends. Let us know if you need to be introduced ;)

The nicely matching work station with the cubbies all around is from Costco and might just be the best purchase we’ve ever made from there. Which is saying a lot. Because Costco. The yellow stools are from Target, and they fit perfectly underneath and out of the way when you need to stand, instead of sit.

Painting is serious business, people.

And crafting. Sometimes you have to stand.

Color coordinated markers in a wooden soda crate from Fresno. Best.

This might be my second favorite spot in the house.

Old window turned cut-out shelf above the bed. Sweetness.

It has truly been such a gift to enjoy this house for the time that we have. With all its unique little corners and sun-drenched floors.

And now, we’re praying for the next chapter in our journey. When we moved here, we planned to stay forever. Or for as long as God allowed. But all too soon, it seems as if our time here is drawing to a close. And although we’re sad, we know that He is to be trusted. He has always been faithful. Above and beyond what we’ve deserved. Unfailing.

My husband’s health has not been good for years, and it’s recently gotten worse. Because his office is 45 minutes from where we live, we’ve decided we need to do everything we can to give him more rest time, which we hope will have a direct impact on his quality of life. It was a hard decision, but one that we pray will be worth it in the end.

So we, sometimes haltingly, take the next step. Trusting our Lord to lead us when we don’t know exactly where we’re going. But knowing the One who’s taking us there. Walking by faith.

We’re also praying for the next owner of this house. That they will be as blessed by it as we have been. To enjoy the wildflowers and the geese honking across the water. To walk around the lake trail and swing on the tire swing. To finally snag one of those elusive pomegranates just as it ripens to crimson perfection.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.– Proverbs 3:5-6

Comments

Good Day, I just found your space through a link shared over on KindaWonderful on typepad… I had to comment to say how absolutely breathtaking your home is. It is just incredible. It is an exact dream home in my mind! I do adore your major organized, office space there. I am working now to create a well laid out, compact, creative space of my very own, in our small apartment. I notice a few details I didn’t think of. Thanks for sharing so much beauty and inspiration. New Subscriber :D

Just “met” you tonight. What a wonderful little journey I went on with you through your home. What a mountain peak. What is the next mountain peak that He will take you too?? In between there are valleys, which too can be wonderful. Maybe there will be a wonderful babbling brook in the next scene. Gaze up at the beautiful site, hoping to see it again from another wonderful retreat on Earth. May the peace that passes all understanding fill your home as your family journeys into the unknown . . . for we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

God Bless you and the future visitors of the little slice of heaven on Earth there in California.

Hi, Emily!
As I virtually toured your home, I found a sense of peace for which I have been longing. My family and I recently made a life changing decision that only God knows where we will end up. To know that you have to leave this sanctuary saddens me; however, I understand your family’s decision for leaving. I trust that God will continue to shine in your lives and provide divine direction and comfort.
P.S. I will drop by again when I need to get away!
Felicia

I’m so glad the little tour was a blessing for you, Felicia. Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful words. May the Lord also give you and your family peace and guidance in abundance. So thankful He is always worthy of our trust!

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